The Medical Benefits of Silicone Molding and Silicone Bonding

1
The Medical Benefits of Silicone Molding and
Silicone BondingWhen you first hear of silicone
for use in medical procedures your only thought
may be of cosmetic surgery, especially
enhancement surgery. Ultra-clean medical
silicone plays a much larger role in the medical
industry than you might expect. Following are a
few examples of areas where silicone is currently
used in medical applicationsReplacement
Cartilage in Knuckle or Toe JointsAs part of
orthopedic solutions for knees, hips, and
elbows.Breast implantsSurgical
TubingCathetersMedical Seals, Drains, and
GasketsNot all silicone applications require
the stringent cleanliness and quality found in
medical applications. Items being produced for
manufacturing applications or general home use do
not require this level of purity. Companies who
specialize in silicone molding and silicone
bonding commonly separate their work into
multiple categories or areas within their
facilities.
2
(No Transcript)
3
The Three Faces of Medical Silicone
MoldingThere are three basic forms of molding
which are used for medical silicone molding.
These three methods includeLiquid Injection
MoldingCompression MoldingTransfer
MoldingEach form of molding has a unique place
in the production of a variety of parts. Liquid
injection molding is considered the cleanest and
safest form of producing parts. The entire
system can remain sealed while the silicone is
injected into the molds in two parts. It does
not begin to harden until the two parts come
together. Since the system is sealed it reduces
the introduction of dust, bacteria, and other
foreign material.Compression molding appears
much more industrial in the process. The
silicone is premixed and then forced into the
molds in a partially hardened state. These forms
of silicone molding are commonly used for
o-rings, diaphragms, and other similar items.
4
Silicone Bonding Putting Silicone Together with
Other MaterialsFor many applications silicone
must be adhered to another item, usually in the
form of metals, plastics, or ceramics. The
non-silicone items must be prepared prior to
having the silicone added through a variety of
methods. The surface of the items needs to be
roughened by abrading or chemical etching. This
gives the silicone a surface to grasp and remain
sealed to. Silicone does not naturally adhere to
these materials so most commonly a bonding agent
is sprayed or painted on the part before the
silicone is applied.After the parts are
prepared they are sent through molding process
where the silicone is molded around, or onto, the
part. This process is labor intensive but
provides for an extremely strong bond which can
be used in both medical applications and normal
consumer products.Why Silicone Is So Important
in MedicineMedical silicone is one of the most
inert and clean substances which can be
introduced into the body. It is very uncommon
for the body to react to a molded silicone
product. The challenge with silicone molding and
silicone bonding is in the exacting standards
required for making reliable parts. When
properly manufactured silicone medical products
are extremely safe and play a crucial role in
orthopedic and cosmetic procedures.